The comments came after foreign-backed militants reportedly suffered heavy losses after clashes with government troops over control of a key highway in Damascus. Syrian Army forces battled the militants on Saturday, one day after they cut off the strategic route near the capital.

Press TV has conducted an interview with Dr. Webster Griffin Tarpley, author and historian, to further discuss the issue. What follows is an approximate transcription of the interview.

Press TV: We see the Syrian Army gaining ground in Syria, this while Moaz Al-Khatib from the opposition has called for dialogue with the Syrian government. At the same time NATO allies, Turkey and US are at loggerheads over Israel’s recent…